Reframing Religion as Part Education

One definition of the word education is “the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.”  (Dictionary.com, 10/10/2012)  

Our theology class, as I expected, has brought many issues that have been scarfed in the back of my mind to the forefront.  I’m not sure what to do with all that.  Thanks a lot, Dr. Tom – you’re not just making me think, you’re asking me to self-inquire, research, scratch my head and actually come up with an opinion!  Darn the “powers of reasoning and judgment!” 

In this academic setting, I truly am preparing myself to be intellectual and ready for a ‘mature’ life of critical analysis, I dare think.

For me, intellectual maturity requires that I engage in articulation. Not just solely to restate what the issue is, but to internalize, regurgitate it (in my own words), decide how I feel about something, where I stand and then, be able to communicate that in a logical, intellectual, researched-based paper or presentation. 

Wow – that just sounds like a whole lot of graduate level work.  It is time to step up and step out of my indecision shell.  No  more gingerly thinking about this issue or that – whether what I think is right or wrong, but rather, to plunge in, get soaking wet, if I must, with intellectual inquiry and process all that is presented.

One of the most revealing “ah-has” I received in this week’s lecture was the reframing of the simple word ‘religion.’  For the most part, an average American would associate the word religious with the word dogma or have an immediate association of a devote follower of rules and regulations set by a church, temple or synagogue.  Then, I must admit, for most of my life, I saw “religion” through the lens of an average American.

Dr. Tom then pointed out that in most cultures until relatively modern times, religion has been more associated with practices rather than specific beliefs.  Interesting.  It may be so that there is no distinction between religion / practice / belief.  

Culture then, is derived from a group’s religion and religious practices.  From there, arises tradition and cultural norms.  For me, the concept is easier to comprehend when placed in the context of a nomadic tribe as I can see how religion (practices) leads way to their culture.  (i.e. a worship in the sea lends way to the reverent practices of bowing to the sea).

It is interesting to contemplate practice versus culture in the group of people who consider themselves “Spiritual but not religious (SBNR).” This group, while considering themselves ‘not religious’ are also non-secular.  Statistics show that 33% of the American population consider themselves SBNR.*  

* (10/11/2012 - http://www.nowpublic.com/culture/statistics-show-33-americans-spiritual-not-religious)

So what is their religion in the context of practices?  It is interesting to consider what, exactly, that label means.  Is it simply a label used to say, “I believe in a higher power, just not in organized religion as I do not care for the dogma and the means of control of how I practice my religion.”  

Perhaps it is a statement to mean, “I believe in a higher power but I do not have any practices that are associated with it.”  

Is it self categorized to distance from the practices of our conservative Judeo-Christian culture?  As a community, perhaps we have gotten to a point where we just simply reject the traditions and practices of one religion.  It may be that empirical knowledge has lead way to the SBNR movement.  There is actually a church in Michigan that is called the “Spiritual But Not Religious Church” claiming “All religions contain some wisdom, but not one religion contains all wisdom.” (http://www.sbnr.org/)

Finding this information broadens my understanding and tolerance for traditional, organized religion – I get that it is the practices of the group that actually brings everyone together.  This includes practices that are unappealing to me.  Just because it may not work for me personally does not mean I cannot be delighted that there are people who carry on practices and traditions of their religious group.  It’s none of my bees wax what they believe, right?  Diversity is what makes the world an interesting place and it should be celebrated!

What about Unity and new thought – are we Christian or part of the SBNR movement?  Although the Unity movement is founded on Christianity, much of our practices are eastern (particularly Buddhist), relating to meditation, silence, surrender.  

Our tradition and practice of meditation, going into The Silence, prayer, Sunday celebration services are, in fact, our ‘religious’ practice – this leads way to the culture of who we are and is the driving force of what we do as a movement.

New Thought has helped me reframe much of my perspective in the world:  to see things right, rather to make them right – to see them differently, to hold a different thought in mind so that results of what appears is manifested consciously – to live in harmony with what is.

My home church in Portland, Oregon had placed a sign posting, “Spiritual, but nor Religious” and attendance increased by approximately 10% for the month it was posted.  It would appear to me that religious rebels and folks who are considered ‘faithless’ in the conservative, traditional sense would most likely classify themselves as SBNR.  

I suspect that practices are not yet defined for this relatively new ‘religious group’ of the larger SBNR movement – it may be too soon to tell.  (hhhmmm..The Religion (practices) of The Spiritual But Not Religious Movement - interesting!)

The lesson here in the word ‘religion’ is part of my process of education.  While words are basically just symbols of what the actual is, it is a tool of knowledge and understanding.  Reframing and looking closely at terminology is part of my spiritual growth.  

 Looking deeply and at what matters for me helps me define my limits, preferences and choices.  I can have a deeper understanding and appreciation of where others are coming from, support them in their spiritual growth, and truly live in a world that works for all.  ~ ELF

(As an aside, the political satire columns of The Onion" has a recent piece from a Catholic priest.  I do believe he is one of my favorites.  Enjoy!)

http://www.theonion.com/articles/priest-religious-but-not-really-spiritual,17373/)